Heavyweight Brett Rogers joins Bellator roster

Former heavyweight stand-out Brett Rogers has been given an all-too-rare chance at redemption after news broke earlier today that he’d been signed by Bellator and would make his debut under the promotion’s banner on June 22. Rogers made a name for himself in EliteXC and Strikeforce but has struggled to find success over the past few years while also dealing with legal issues relating to a domestic violence incident.

Bellator officials have confirmed the deal.

“Over the past year I have been challenged in my personal life, but all is now good in the Rogers family,” explained Rogers in an official press release. “Everyone makes mistakes in life but it’s how you recover that really counts. I spend every day with my wife and kids and enjoy every minute of it. Fighting is my job and I love it, but I also love my family and that’s why I made things right before returning to the cage. All I can say is get ready for a new and improved Brett Rogers.”

Rogers holds an 11-4 record with ten stoppages. However, he started out 10-0 and hasn’t won since October 2010. Among the opponents “Da Grim” has taken out in his career are notable adversaries such as James Thompson and Andrei Arlovski.

PHOTO CREDIT – ELITEXC

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MMATraining Take: I’m a little concerned about Bellator’s thought process on this matter. Rogers is a year removed from beating his wife in front of their children and he’s 1-4 in his last five fights. I know the organization is desperate for heavyweights but what benefit is there to bringing him in? It’s a massive risk that’s not even backed up by recent performances to merit the gamble.